Incomplete sidewalks in West Modesto raise ADA compliance concerns

(FOX40.COM) – Incomplete sidewalks in parts of West Modesto are raising major safety and accessibility concerns, especially for residents living with disabilities.

Neighbors along California and Spencer Avenues say they’ve been asking for a solution for years and fear it’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt.

Jose Ramirez and his family on Spencer Ave say a 100-ft stretch of dirt in front of their home is more than an inconvenience, but a danger.

“It’s not convenience or it’s not a luxury. It’s more like a necessity under the ADA,” Alejandra Ramirez, Jose’s daughter, said.

Alejandra says she often stands outside with her father to protect him from speeding cars and uneven ground.

“We have had cars that actually have crashed into our property,” Alejandra said. “If there would have been a sidewalk as a little buffer, maybe that would have stopped.”

District 2 Modesto city council member Eric Alvarez, who represents the area, said this is just one of many pockets around the city lacking sidewalks. He is now pushing for city and Stanislaus County officials to work together on solutions.

“We need to be proactive and not reactive to a worst-case scenario where a child it hit, or someone in a wheelchair tips over,” Alvarez said.

But Alvarez says lack of progress is due to funding challenges and confusion over where city and county jurisdictions begin. He estimates that a sidewalk in front of the Ramirez home could cost between $80, 000 – $100,000, and there are hundreds of locations across the city in need of sidewalks, including areas near schools.

“It’s in our 2025 – 2026 strategic plan to improve infrastructure,” Alvarez said. “I’m trying to continue to figure out creative ways to attract funding from the state to come to the city of Modesto to tackle these sorts of issues.”

FOX 40 is awaiting a response from Stanislaus County officials who say they are aware of the community’s concerns, and the findings of a recent presentation from the Department of Public Works.

Residents are encouraged to contact city and county representatives to push for improvements.